1999 HILO Cable Dimensions

Good afternoon,

I am working on a restoration project (1999 HILO Classic -- 22L) and want to replace the cables because they are or have been neglected. I just acquired it and it has sentimental value -- if that helps. I have been trying to contact J&R or Midget but neither is responding. I found a local shop that can make them for me but I would like to see if anyone has the specs and dimensions. I can provide this info and hopefully make the the cables accordingly. I know they are 3/16 air craft cables with a threaded rod swaged into the cable or one end.

I would hate to cut them all off at once and then lose track of where each goes. I'd rather do it one at a time.

Any help would be appreciated; thank you.

Hi and welcome, elchoche!

As far as I know, there's no specific cable length that is preset if you were to buy them from J&R or Midget. I believe they come too long and you have to cut them to fit when you install them. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong about this and I hope they do quickly if this applies.

I believe, to install them, you would insert the threaded bolt just far enough so that you could get at least one adjusting nut on it and then run the unfinished end over all the pulleys to where it would attach to the top. Then, you should use something like a "come-along" to stretch the cable and tighten it over the pulleys. Check to make sure the cable is still properly running over the pulleys and then you can judge where to place the thimble and lock it in place with the swags. Finally, you can cut the excess cable off.

Install the cables one at a time, removing an old cable as you go. This way you won't mix up the different lengths.

I've not had to do this repair, so I may have posted some mistakes. Again, I think others will correct me if that is the case and I welcome it.

Thank you; would, for example, a cable that is 20 ft long be sufficient? In other words, if they swage the threaded rod unto one end and make the entire cable 20 ft, would that be enough for all sides? I can then just cut to size as needed.

I don't have any guess regarding the length you'd need. I'm pretty sure they vary according to the year and length of your trailer. I suggest you get an approximate measurement of the longest cable in your trailer. Raise the top, and then measure underneath along its run, up the side and then down to where it attaches. In my trailer, this would be the right front curb side cable I think.

Alternatively, if you're not going to be using your camper, you could raise the top, then lower it onto 4 2x4s cut to the same length that are just a bit shorter than what would fit under the fully raised top. Put the 2x4s between the outriggers and the top. These same 2x4s will allow the cables to be "slack" and are what you would use to adjust the cables after replacement. Once braced this way, you could simply remove the longest cable and measure it. Add a couple feet for good measure and to give you something to attach to a "come-along".

I'm pretty sure J&R and Midget sell the cables at a "standard" length that is longer than needed, but I don't know the length. Someone may have that information and I wish they'd post that in this thread.

I used the 2x4 trick both to adjust my cables and to perform a repair to the lower edge of the top half of my camper where I had to unfasten the cable to make the repair. I've carefully saved my 2x4s in case I need them again.

- Jack

Cable Replacement

DH hasn't had to do this repair. This document should help you. Cable replacement in my 1998 HiLo 24TD. 3-3-2010. Some one who is more computer literate may be able to post a link. You can do this repair.

Here's the link she was speaking of. It has a pdf file that is quite detailed: https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f22/cable-replacement-and-adjustment-125/

- Jack

elchoche23 said:

Thank you; would, for example, a cable that is 20 ft long be sufficient? In other words, if they swage the threaded rod unto one end and make the entire cable 20 ft, would that be enough for all sides? I can then just cut to size as needed.

Click to expand...

I am in the same boat? What did you end up doing to get yours going. My front passenger side cable broke so getting it lifted up is a pain and I would rather source the parts and do it at once. If I have to buy a crimping tool I may as well just buy the cable and parts locally rather than an eBay kit.